Babatunji Wusu –
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Violation of Rule of Law: Adolphus Wabara, Chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees, criticizes President Bola Tinubu for disregarding constitutional principles in Rivers State.
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Undermining Democracy: Wabara argues that suspending Governor Sim Fubara, his deputy, and state lawmakers amounts to an attack on Nigeria’s democracy.
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Unconstitutional Usurpation of Power: He asserts that the president lacks the authority to unilaterally remove elected officials or impose an unelected sole administrator.
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Comparison to Military Rule: Wabara likens Tinubu’s actions to past military regimes, warning that they threaten Nigeria’s democratic foundations.
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Call for Action: He urges the judiciary, civil society, and the international community to intervene and uphold constitutional governance.
Adolphus Wabara, Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT), has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it a violation of the rule of law and an assault on democracy.
Last week, Tinubu suspended Governor Sim Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and all members of the state House of Assembly, citing political instability. He then appointed retired Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the state’s sole administrator.
In a statement, Wabara condemned the move, describing it as unconstitutional and a dangerous precedent.
“This action is a direct attack on the essence of our Republic,” he stated. “It deserves the strongest condemnation and corrective action from all well-meaning Nigerians, the judiciary, civil society, and the international community.”
He further argued that the Nigerian Constitution does not grant the president the power to unilaterally remove elected officials. “Such actions amount to an unconstitutional usurpation of power and a fundamental breach of Nigeria’s federal structure,” he added.
Wabara also likened Tinubu’s approach to military rule, suggesting it was no coincidence that the PDP’s National Secretariat land in Abuja was revoked on the same day Fubara was served an impeachment notice.
“The president’s decision to impose an unelected sole administrator is nothing short of a democratic travesty,” he warned.
Wabara called for immediate action to reverse the decision, urging Nigerians and global democratic institutions to stand against what he sees as an erosion of constitutional governance.
